Retired Hopatcong Police Captain, Army Veteran Dies at 89

HOPATCONG, NJ - Donald Forrest Bogardus Sr., a retired Hopatcong Police captain who dedicated more than two decades to public safety, died Sunday, May 24, 2026. He was 89.

Bogardus passed away at Care One in Morristown, surrounded by his family. He was born July 28, 1936, in Paterson, to Herb and Ethel Riker Bogardus.

The Hopatcong Police Department announced his passing Monday, remembering him as an officer of uncommon character.

"Captain Bogardus dedicated over 26 years of honorable service to the residents of Hopatcong, serving with professionalism, integrity, and compassion throughout his distinguished career," the department said in a statement.

Bogardus began his service with the department in 1966 and rose through the ranks before retiring as captain in 1992. He was also a past chief and lifetime member of the Hopatcong Fire Department.

"His commitment to public safety and unwavering dedication to this community left a lasting impact on both the department and the residents he proudly served," police said.

Before his law enforcement career, Bogardus served his country with the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment. He was a proud graduate of Boonton High School's Class of 1955.

Outside of public service, Bogardus was an entrepreneur who, alongside his brothers, founded Bogardus Bros. Trucking and Rigging and later Hopatcong Rigging. He had a lifelong passion for trucks, spending weekends restoring older models for the love of it. But above all, Bogardus was a man of the water, according to his obituary.

He began racing boats in the early 1960s and, even after retiring from competition, remained involved in the boating community as part of his neighborhood skiff race team's pit crew.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, 150 Landing Road, Landing. A Fireman's service will be offered during that time. The funeral home will open Saturday, at 10 a.m., with military honors and a prayer service at 10:30 a.m. A firefighter's last call will follow at Northwood Engine Co. 2 in Hopatcong.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northwood Engine Co. 2, P.O. Box 25, Glasser, NJ 07837.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com